In a suburban setting in Connecticut during the 1970s, two middle-class families are caught in a storm—both climatic and emotional—that erupts in their lives. The Hoods, led by the academic Ben, and the Carvers, who embody chaos and instability, live in parallel yet interconnected worlds. Ben feels disconnected from his wife, Elena, who seeks her own space and fulfillment outside their home and marriage. Meanwhile, their children, Paul and Wendy, face the complexities of adolescence with a touch of rebellion and experimentation.
In parallel, the Carvers, headed by the charismatic but unfaithful Jim, navigate a relationship marked by moral laxity and a desire to escape routine. Their daughter, provocative and seductive, becomes the center of a dangerous game among youth seeking belonging and adults yearning for redemption.
The ice storm seems to serve as a metaphor for the coldness enveloping each character, reflecting their repressed emotions and family dysfunctions. When the external storm unleashes, it exposes the fractures in their relationships and reveals hidden truths that hit harder than the ice against their windows. With impeccable direction and stunning performances, the film invites deep reflection on the decay of family and the cost of the decisions each member makes, leaving indelible marks on their quest for connection and meaning.